Itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
There is a well-known association of several systemic diseases associated with itchy eyes autoimmune diseases, dry-eye syndrome, among them Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Do you have any of these autoimmune diseases?
Itchy eyes autoimmune disease (AD)
AD can cause chronic dry eyes.
- Sjogrens
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Ocular Rosacea
- Graft vs Host
- Grave’s Disease
Why itchy eyes in autoimmune diseases?
Healthy eyes contain a protective film of oil, water, and mucus that keeps the eyes moist.
This protective barrier keeps dirt and debris from irritating the eye.
When one of the three important components of this mixture is missing, dry eyes can occur.
Autoimmune disorder is because your immune system attacks your healthy tissue by mistake, including eyes.
Immune system in itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
Immune system helps to prevent infections by producing antibodies.
Biologically antibacterial agents are helpful in preventing illness and keeping your body healthy.
in AD, instead of the immune system attacks other bacteria, the autoimmune response is directed towards the cells and tissues within the blood stream.
The parts of the brain most commonly affected by this syndrome are the tears, the saliva and the vagina, commonly called exocrine glands.
The antibodies damage the exocrine to stop them functioning normally.
Associated symptoms of itchy eyes autoimmune diseases – dry eyes
Dry eye symptoms may be more serious in a person who has SJögren’s syndrome and more serious autoimmune system.
Overview of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndromes are chronic (long term and permanent autoimmune) disorders caused by the immune system attacking glands that make moisture in the eyes and mouth (causing dry mouth).
Most symptoms are dry eyes or mouth, although some parts of your body are also affected by fatigue and joint and muscle pain.
It may also affect kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Sjogrens’s syndrome is most commonly found in females.
Sjögren syndrome occurs alone or alongside autoimmune diseases like rheumatism or erythematous erythematous system.
The exocrine glands in itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
Your saliva or tears help protect your eyes.
Sjogren’s syndrome- itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic immune symptom.
Also known as Sjogren’s Disease, this chronic AD presents when the immune system attacks glands that produce moisture—such as salivary and tear glands.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autosomal AD.
It affects up to 10 million adults worldwide.
Most of the patients who suffer from this disease are female, 9 out of 10.
Sjogren’s Syndrome can cause complications such as eye infections and is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders that cause severe chronic dry eyes that are difficult to treat.
About sjogren’s syndrome- itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
The most severe manifestation for people with Sjögren’s syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth. Vaginal dryness in women may also occur, as well as in males who suffer from this condition.
Sjogren’s syndrome can be divided into two types:
Primary sjögren’s syndrome
Primary Sjogren’s syndrome is where you do not have any other related conditions.
Secondary sjögren’s syndrome
people with Sjogren’s syndrome also have other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus . This is known as secondary Sjögren’s syndrome.
Tell me the cause of Sjögren’s syndrome? Itchy eyes autoimmune diseases.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system acts abnormally to fight infections.
It has not been determined if it was caused by genetics or by environmental or hormonal factors.
Researchers do not know what causes the immune system attacks on the body, but they believe that both genetic and environmental factors are involved.
Tell me the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome?
The symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome include: dry eyes a dry mouth dry skin tiredness vaginal dryness muscle or joint pain swelling between the jaw and ears (swollen salivary glands) rashes (especially after being in the sun)
Sjögren syndrome symptoms are mild and severe, and varies.
These include a lack of sleep and poor mental health.
The disease then develops and becomes symptoms that are affecting all parts of the body.
Symptoms of sjögren’s syndrome
Sjögrens syndrome has mainly been described as having dry mouth and eyes, joint and muscle pain and can have additional associated symptoms.
However, these symptoms may appear as an inherited disease in elderly people and many people with dry eyes aren’t suffering from Sjögrens syndrome.
Many women have dry vaginal skin that makes sexual relations painful.
Sjögren is a disorder that affects a variety of organs and its symptoms differ by person.
Symptoms vary from mild to severe.
Some suffer dry eyes or dry mouth, but others suffer only dry eyes and sometimes suffer from both.
Those who suffer from severe illness may report debilitating pain or tiredness.
Sjögren Syndrome sufferers have higher chances of developing lymphomas but it is less common.
Complications of Sjögren’s syndrome- itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
If Sjögren’s syndrome isn’t treated appropriately, significant, long-term complications could result that affect your eyes, mouth, lungs, kidneys, liver or lymph nodes.
Complications including blindness, significant dental destruction and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Your eye’s ability to see clearly is severely damaged by poor tear-producing tissue.
Sjögren syndrome also increases your risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma – a cancer.
The odds are surprisingly slim, 5%. Sjögren syndrome has a high incidence of pregnancy resulting in a temporary “lupus” or a heart abnormality.
During pregnancy, the doctor can closely monitor all possible complications.
Studies have linked people with Sjögren’s syndrome to variants (changes) in several genes, many of which are involved in immunity.
Sjögren’s syndrome can also affect the joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs and nerves, causing symptoms such as:
- Swollen glands, specifically behind the jaw and in front of the ears Joint pain, swelling or stiffness
- Prolonged dry skin
- Skin rashes
- Chronic dry cough
- Vaginal dryness
- Problems urinating, including pain, urinating more than usual, getting up
Who is affected by Sjögren’s syndrome? Itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
Sjögren’s syndrome affects an estimated 4 million people in the United States, of which 3 million are undiagnosed, yet it is one of the three most common autoimmune diseases.
The most common Sjögren Syndrome is experienced among people between 0 and 60 and a woman represents almost 90%.
There is not enough information about the number of individuals suffering from the disease as most people never see the GP about the symptoms.
Sjögren syndrome is a major autoimmune disorder that affects millions worldwide.
It is most prevalent among women as a result. Some secondary Sjögren patients also have Sjögren Syndrome and others autoimmune disorders.
Who has Sjögren Syndrome?
Most of Sjögrens’ syndrome suffers women.
This can occur in anyone, but is most commonly seen in people aged 40 or 50. Those who experience this occur from all races.
How is Sjögren syndrome diagnosed?
The symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as RA or fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists use point-based tests to determine whether you have Sjögren syndrome.
The bigger the point, the more chances you will develop this condition.
Other diagnostic tests that can aid in the detection of Sjugren Syndrome are blood tests, eyes tests and even dental tests.
Diagnosis of Sjogren syndrome- itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
Sjögren syndrome has a very difficult diagnosis due to the similarities in symptoms and conditions it causes.
Sometimes there are medical providers who diagnose the various types of symptoms such as eye doctor or gynaecologist for dry throat.
Upon examination, your doctor is going through your symptoms and can measure dryness in your eyes and mouth.
International medical organizations endorsed a common set of criteria for the classification of Sjögren’s syndrome in 2016.
These criteria are intended primarily to ensure international agreement as to what constitutes Sjögren’s syndrome; their fulfillment is typically a requirement for entry into clinical trials and other research studies.
Screening questions for sjögren’s syndrome- itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
Experts in this field are creating some screening questions to check for sjögren syndrome.
In some situations Sjögren syndrome can be diagnosed by a blood test.
Treating Sjögren’s syndrome- itchy eyes autoimmune diseases
Sjögren is a rare disease and treatment will reduce symptoms.
Dry eyes and mouth are normally treated using artificial tears or saliva.
The best eye hygiene will prevent you from developing infection.
Eye health is important to prevent problems like eye rhinitis, corneas and teeth.
For severe situations medication and surgery might be suggested.
Your provider can help you find the right combination of therapies to relieve symptoms.
The symptoms of the Sjögren syndrome cannot be treated by medication, though they may help alleviate the symptoms.
It’s best to consult your doctor for treatment.
Common eyes and mouth issues are sometimes treated with prescription artificial tears or mouth washes.
Your medical professional can prescribe stronger formulas if they are not effective.
You may find relief from some immunosuppressive medications used for treating other autoimmune diseases.
Painkillers are also needed depending on symptoms.
Other AD that cause dry eyes
Graft Versus Host Disease
Graft-Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is a side effect of cord blood, stem cell, or bone marrow transplant.
Rarely, blood transfusions can also cause GVHD.
Interestingly, almost half of the people who receive allogeneic (donor source) transplants end up developing GVHD.
The skin, mouth, stomach, eyes, and intestines are affected most.
Chronic dry eyes occurs in the eyes of up to 80% of patients who have chronic GVHD.
Symptoms include dry eyes, eye pain, conjunctivitis, light sensitivity, blurry vision, and foreign body sensation.
In order to treat GVHD, a patient must take antibiotics and steroid drugs.
Once this treatment has been established and is successful, a maintenance regime must be put in place.
TheraLife Eye Autoimmune helps to reduce inflammation of the eye and restores glandular tear secretion activity to give patients lasting relief.
Graves’ Disease
When abnormal immune systems cause the thyroid gland to respond with too much thyroid hormone, an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease occurs.
Women over age 20 are the most likely group to develop Graves’ Disease, but men may also be susceptible.
Treatments include surgery, antithyroid medicines, and radioactive iodine.
Graves’ Disease can go through several degrees of severity as well as a remission period.
Pain that occurs in the eyes when looking up, down, or sideways along with dry, itching eyes are common symptoms of Graves’ Disease.
Swelling that occurs in the eyes and surrounding tissues causes the eyes to have a bulging appearance.
The preferred treatment for Graves’ Disease is radioactive iodine treatment.
However, this treatment seems to worsen thyroid eye disease.
Ocular Rosacea
Rosacea occurs as a common, chronic, adult skin disease that is controllable with medications.
Ocular rosacea occurs in the eyes and can present before rosacea shows up on the skin.
The significant and pronounced effect of Ocular Rosacea is caused by a disorder of the meibomian gland and blepharitis.
Some common symptoms of Ocular Rosacea include a burning sensation in the eyes, the feeling that a foreign body is present, irritation, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, red eyes, tearing, and a build up of a sticky crusty substance on the eye lashes (Blepharitis) .
Left untreated, Ocular Rosacea can lead to cornea damage requiring a transplant.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
(RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes joint destruction, loss of function, and deformity. Irreversible joint damage with a high degree of disability accompanies RA and affects twice as many women as men.
Although unknown, the causes of RA appear to be genetic and exposure to environmental agents.
Symptoms of RA increase with age and can be cause by medications or just the severity of the disease.
Rheumatoird arthritis is directly responsible to the contribution of sicca which increases ocular dryness.
Keratoconjuntivis sicca, or chronic dry eyes, is reported in up to 25% of patients who experience RA.
Symptoms are typical: dry, itchy, watery eyes that appear red. Corneal abrasions are also reported in RA sufferers.
Treatment consists of steroids and other immune modulation therapy.
Why TheraLife Eye Works
Best Sjogren’s symptoms relief from TheraLife
TheraLife Eye offers a variety of all-natural remedies to alleviate chronic dry eye syndrome. The TheraLife Eye Enhanced Starter Kit comes with everything you need for dry eye relief. If you suffer from autoimmune disease dry eyes, order TheraLife products today.
References
Find an Expert Expand Section Find a Rheumatologist (American College of Rheumatology) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.
“Joint Pain and Sjogren’s Syndrome,” Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Sjögren’s Syndrome. (https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/sjogrens-syndrome/more-info)
What You Need to Know about Sjogren’s Syndrome (Lupus Foundation of America) Specifics Expand Section Dry Eye (National Eye Institute) Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)
Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation. 2001. Available at http://www.sjogrens.org.
